KATHMANDU, JULY 18

The wetlands of Morang District in Koshi Province has seen an exponential growth over the past two decades.

A recent study published in Our Nature Journal shows increase in wetlands number over the decades. The paper also shows the ecosystem services, conservation status, investments, and the types of wetlands within the district.

From 2000 to 2020, the total wetland area (water/pond surface) in Morang District increased by 171%, expanding from 10.8 hectares to 29.4 hectares. This growth is attributed to enhanced wetland conservation initiatives and increased budget allocations, supported significantly by community forest efforts. During 2000 there were only 10 wetlands identified in the district.

The study documents a total of 24 wetlands spanning 29.4 hectares of pond surface, with sizes ranging from 0.017 hectares to 7.5 hectares. The Rajarani wetland boasts the largest pond at 7.51 hectares, while the Janjati wetlands have the smallest at 0.02 hectares. These wetlands are spread across 10 of the district's 17 local levels, with elevations ranging from 87 meters (Sunbarsi wetland) to 677 meters (Chuli Pokhari wetland).

Gobinda Prasad Pokharel, conservation officer at the National Trust for Nature Conservation(NTNC) and the study's lead author said, 'The increase in wetland pond area is due to restoration activities and investment in promoting the wetland area for tourism.' He also added that investment increased following the promulgation of the new constitution in 2072 BS.

'Previously, local governments lacked resources and could not invest. At that time, community forests allocated budgets solely for tourism planning. After the new constitution, local and provincial governments began investing in tourism activities and pond construction,' Pokharel said.

There are more constructed wetlands than that of natural one. According to the study, the district has 14 constructed and 10 natural wetlands.

Over the years, total investment in wetlands has reached 42 crore rupees, with natural wetlands receiving 21 crore 43 lakh rupees. These investments have resulted in natural wetlands generating approximately 1 crore 15 lakh 70 thousand rupees annually, while constructed wetlands received 73 lakh 51 thousand rupees.

Pokharel who has been studying the wetlands of Morang district over 5 years also said that increased conservation efforts and sustainable development practices have led to a rise in tourism and recreational activities, with wetlands generating revenue from entry fees, fishing, boating, and contributions from local, provincial, and central governments.

The wetlands provide 12 types of cultural and provisioning services, including education, swimming, boating, drinking water, irrigation, fishing, and vegetable farming.

'Bhulkey wetland in Pathari supplies drinking water to 1,938 families in the municipality,' Pokharel said. Additionally 10 of the 24 wetlands are identified for their religious significance further highlighting their cultural importance.

However, the study also identifies significant threats to these wetlands, with invasive species found in 88% of the wetlands being the most pressing issue. Other challenges include river cutting, flooding, pollution, and illegal activities, predominantly affecting natural wetlands.

'Most wetlands have management committees actively engaged in fencing, bush removal, cleaning campaigns, and rescue operations,' said Dr. Sudeep Thakuri, Dean at Mid-West University and the Co-author of the paper.

Dr. Thakuri recommends focusing on effective management plans, removing invasive species, creating plastic-free zones, and promoting native species to mitigate these threats. He stressed that continued investment and strategic conservation practices are crucial for sustaining the ecological and socio-economic contributions of these wetlands.

Pokharel also said that the increase in wetlands is a positive indicator but the construction of concrete structures within wetland areas poses new threats that require further study.

'Deep ponds with concrete embankments do not allow amphibians to bask near the pond areas. Ponds should have basking areas for amphibians,' he suggested calling for a detailed baseline study to further exploration of the wetlands of Morang. He also said that the study is just a baseline and a detailed structured study is required for the further study.